Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Republican presidential candidate used "We Are the Champions" to soundtrack last night's victory speech

As a man more disliked than Nickelback, it’s no surprise to learn that Donald Trump is having a tough time finding music to soundtrack his improbable presidential campaign. Over the past few months, Drumpf has used songs by Adele, R.E.M., and The Rolling Stones, only to receive cease and desist notices from each artist. Neil Young did grant the Republican candidate permission to use “Rockin’ in the Free World” but he also called Trump a misogynist and racist, so there’s that.

Last night, after winning the final wave of Republican primaries, Trump took the stage to Queen’s “We Are the Champions”. Co-founder Brian May has since a responded in a statement posted to his website. Spoiler: He’s not pleased.

“I’ve had an avalanche of complaints – some of which you can see in our ‘Letters’ page – about Donald Trump using our ‘We Are The Champions’ track as his ‘theme’ song on USA TV,” May said. “This is not an official Queen statement, but I can confirm that permission to use the track was neither sought nor given. We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue. Regardless of our views on Mr Trump’s platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool. Our music embodies our own dreams and beliefs, but it is for all who care to listen and enjoy.”

Meanwhile, on the ‘Letters’ portion of his website, May referred to Trump’s campaign as “unsavoury.” He also linked to a tweet reading, “Trump enters speech to We Are the Champions. Freddie Mercury just sent a cease and desist letter from the grave.”